How to Get Fit Faster With 10 Little Life Hacks That Aren't Exercising

If there’s anything I learned from the courses I took in holistic health and nutrition, it’s this: health and well-being comes down to so much more than calories in and calories out, and very few diets or systems acknowledge that. In order to get fit faster with little life hacks, it’s imperative to realize that there are so many factors that play into your mental and physical well-being, and it’s not about shape, size, or appearance, either. You can even take steps to get fit that don't involve exercising.

No matter who you are, you deserve to feel healthy and good about yourself. Still, there are so many misconceptions and so many societal habits that stand in the way. Did you know that increased cortisol (the stress hormone) leads to adrenal exhaustion, weight gain, and a shortened life span, but everything about our high-stress work environments and processed diets prompts the release of it? How about the fact that natural fat is absolutely essential for a healthy mind and body, but most “low fat” foods are marketed as healthy and loaded with sugar — the actual culprit here.

If you’re looking to get fit, certain lifestyle changes can make all the difference, and they’re all about living life the natural way – with less stress, better food, deeper sleep, and positive thoughts.

Loads of people use whey powder as a protein shake alongside their workouts, but the problem with that is people tend to be pretty sensitive to milk. This vanilla nut protein powder is one of the only protein powders that fits in with the paleo diet because it utilizes protein derived from grass-fed cows and natural stevia instead of added sugars. It’s also gluten free, soy-free, very easy to digest, has a great consistency, and according to reviewers, tastes incredible — a subtly sweet vanilla nut flavor that makes it “the best-tasting protein drink on the market!”

Avoid A Sedentary Lifestyle — Even if You Have A Desk Job

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in a 2012 study that workers using sit-stand desks saw a 54 percent reduction in neck and back pain, in addition to improved moods. If you're sitting for prolonged periods of time at your desk job, work this extendable laptop stand into your desk set-up to see how the standing desk life works for you — before you commit to the investment desks that will set you back a few hundred.

Sleep More Soundly With Constant Natural Noises

Sleep is a surprising way to stay fit because it’s the lowest-energy activity you’ll ever do. In reality, though, it repairs your muscles, heals your body, lowers your stress levels, and regulates your metabolism. According to a new study, nature sounds help you sleep, as they’re constant, non-threatening, and drown out sudden noises that jolt you awake. This Sound Oasis sound therapy system includes six high-quality nature sounds, including ocean, stream, wind, and summer night. You can use it with batteries or with an adaptor, and it also has an auto-off function, a headphone jack, and volume control.

Take Up Yoga For Physical And Mental Wellbeing

I’m a huge believer in yoga because it combines aerobic exercise with mind-calming meditations that improve sleep, digestion, circulation, strength, and (some argue) happiness. For the beginner who’s ready to entirely dive in, there’s this Sivan Health and fitness yoga set. It comes with everything you need to get started, like an ultra-thick matt, two blocks, a durable strap, and two towels — a small and a large, both slip-resistant and extra absorbent. The set comes in your choice of seven different colors, and it's an awesome way to inspire a new practice; once you’ve got the tools, what’s holding you back?

Try A Clean Eating Lifestyle

Clean eating has been the only food-related lifestyle change that’s ever made a significant difference for me, both physically and mentally. Clean Eats is a cookbook of delicious and natural recipes, but it’s also your own personal life coach, guiding you through tips, tricks, nutritional information, and the science behind it. It’s written by cardiologist Dr. Alejandro Junger who truly believes in fresh, natural food, and reviewers say, “This is SO much more than just a cookbook!”

Give Yourself A Reason To Head Into Nature For Happier Thoughts

A recent study showed that a walk in nature (like, real nature — not a concrete sidewalk) decreased negative thoughts, as it affected activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex of the brain. Nature has a huge influence on your stress levels and general wellbeing, so this top-rated hammock is an excellent excuse to block out at least a nap's worth of time in the backyard. Not only is it durable, affordable, available in four color ways and a great beginner hammock, but it’s lightweight and sets up in a matter of minutes without any hassle. It supports up to 1,100 pounds, and fans of the backyard essentials are saying their whole family enjoys it.

Meditate To Reduce Stress And Cortisol Levels

Meditation isn’t all in your head — it provides measurable physical improvements in the body, like a balanced nervous system, better digestion, deeper sleep, a boosted immune system, and — you guessed it — less cortisol. Jack Kornfield’s Guided Meditations is an ideal resource for beginners, as his clear directions and calming voice lead you through each and every step. It provides the support and direction that you’ll need to stick with it, and because it’s accessible for everyone and comes with several different tracks, it’s a great place to start your practice.

Implement A Nightly Routine To Ease Stress

Implementing a nightly routine before bed is a great way to cultivate wellness, security, and better sleep. TranquilyTea's stress relief tea makes a great addition (and a great substitute for caffeine) to any routine because it’s made with all natural herbs that calm and relax you, and together, they create a delicious and aromatic pear flavor that reviewers love. It’s a wonderful natural remedy for sleeplessness, anxiety, and headaches, and especially great for me-time tea time.

Amp Up Your Self-Esteem For More Oxytocin

Low self esteem is rough enough on its own, but it’s also linked to anxiety, depression, a lack of motivation, and low oxytocin — the “optimism gene.” This book, Self-Esteem, remains one of the best resources surrounding the subject, and it teaches you exactly how to stop self-judgment, rewrite your mental habits, and cultivate feelings of love and acceptance for yourself. It’s filled with interactive exercises and assessments, and it’s used by both therapists and everyday readers alike.

Always Keep Water Nearby, And You’ll Drink More Of It

Your body is made up 60 percent water, and if you’re not getting enough of it due to soda and diuretics, odds are you’re suffering from insomnia, weight gain, tired adrenals, fatigue, and even depression. Carrying around a lightweight, non-toxic water bottle like this PurifyYou premium glass water bottle will prompt you to drink much more water, therefore staying hydrated. It’s made from high-quality and durable glass, which won’t leach chemicals into your water like plastic or metal, and because it has a grip sleeve, a handle, a leak-proof function, and is dishwasher-safe, it’s great for any busy life.

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